Oregon women’s basketball guard Morgan Yaeger’s college career has come to an end.
Yaeger, who completed her redshirt-junior season and graduated this month, announced she won’t return to the Ducks in 2020-21.
“After much consideration, I have decided not to return to the U of O for my fifth year,” Yaeger wrote via Instagram. “It has been an extremely hard decision, but since I am graduating this year, I have decided to return home to Australia to focus on getting psychically and mentally healthy in hopes of pursuing any opportunities that may emerge there.
“I would like to thank all my coaches, staff, and teammates for supporting me throughout my time here in Eugene. I would also like to thank the fans for your unwavering support. The incredible opportunities and memories I have been gifted are beyond precious to me. It humbles me to be able to say that I have been a part of one of the most impactful women’s basketball teams in history. Thank you for the unforgettable ride. Go Ducks!”
Yaeger, who averaged 1.1 points, 0.7 rebounds and 0.2 assists in 18 games last season, was hampered for the last two seasons by a back injury that cost her the 2017-18 season. She appeared in 76 career games, totaling 128 points with 16 three-pointers and had 43 assists.
Her career-high 11 points against Arizona State came as a freshman in 2016-17 and she had nine points via three three-pointers in the 2019 Pac-12 Tournament semifinals against UCLA.
Earlier this month, Oregon coach Kelly Graves indicated Yaeger was likely not going to continue playing.
“We are extremely thankful to Morgan for everything she has given to our program over the last four years,” Graves said in a statement. “It’s been tough watching her deal with this injury for so long, but she has been an incredible teammate and a huge part of our success. She leaves here as a three-time Pac-12 champion and a lifelong Duck, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for her moving forward.”
Yaeger’s departure leaves Oregon with two open scholarships spots on its 2020-21 roster, which features only two seniors in starter Erin Boley and top backup forward Lydia Giomi.